Oneida County Governor’s Award nomination shines spotlight on Northwoods project

Oneida County’s tourism partners, local volunteers, snowmobile and ATV/UTV clubs, and local agencies recently partnered in a project worthy of a nomination for the Governor’s Tandem Award for Collaboration.

Although the project did not secure the award, the end result of these collaborative efforts — a detailed database of the county’s trail accessibility — is worth celebrating.

“This collaboration blends technology, community energy, and inclusive design to make outdoor recreation in Oneida County more welcoming and sustainable,” said Jacqui Sharpe, chair of the Oneida County Tourism Council (OCTC) and executive director of the Three Lakes Area Visitors Bureau. “It’s a model for how rural areas can elevate their trail systems through collaboration, transparency, and a commitment to serving all users.”

Under the leadership of the tourism partners from the Greater Minocqua Area Visitors Bureau, the Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Three Lakes Area Visitors Bureau, the Oneida County Tourism Council was able to compile and centralize GIS data for all the trails in the county, along with detailed photos and videos of each accessible trail, showcasing amenities, terrain and features to help users, especially with mobility concerns, feel confident and informed before arriving. The information was incorporated into the Oneida County Tourism Council’s website, oneidacountywi.com, as well as into a comprehensive printed trails guide, available to view and download online and order by mail.

“The impact of this project goes beyond information-sharing,” Sharpe noted. “This project established a new, inclusive standard for how trails are documented, maintained, and promoted. It fostered alignment among departments, municipalities, and tourism entities, embedding accessibility and accurate data as core values in Oneida County’s recreation strategy. These practices are now woven into long-term operations and will continue to benefit residents and visitors for years to come.”

Local law enforcement also played an important role in the project’s collaboration, one that benefits them and the community as a whole. “Having the county trail GIS data maps at their disposal is an invaluable resource for public safety,” Sharpe said.

The project was entirely funded by an American Rescue Plan Act grant through Oneida County.

Visitors can find more information about Oneida County at www.oneidacountywi.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube.